
Family physicians are the first ones to champion how medicine can transform our community, and the first to advocate for how meaningful change starts with individual, long-term doctor-patient relationships. Earn your patients’ trust and cement your place as the go-to resource when health questions arise.
You can be a family physician whose commitment to patients helps guide them toward healthier futures. Discover a career in family medicine.


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Be Their First
As a family physician, you can cement your place as the go-to resource when health questions arise by combining your patient-centric philosophy with your specialized and evolving interests. Be the first line of defense against health issues and illness.
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See What It Means to Be Their First
Be a champion of preventive care. Look through the tools below to see how a career in family medicine can help make you the first line of defense against health issues and illness for patients in need.

Embrace Your Patient–First Focus
Learn about the diverse opportunities, the unique patient relationships family physicians foster, and why family medicine may be right for you.
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Envision A Future Career in Family Medicine: Your Questions Answered
Visit the Family Medicine Salary Career Dashboard to better understand key career factors including average salary, satisfaction ratings, and time off for family physicians.

Dedicated Career Support: Join the Family Medicine Community
An AAFP membership is free for students, offering support through education programs, tips and resources from med school and beyond. Join a community dedicated to empowering your career growth in family medicine so you can Be Their First.

Find Your Mentor
Having a mentor is important. Having the right mentor is invaluable. Learn what to look for and how to make the most of this relationship.

FUTURE 2025
Your future in medicine starts here. At FUTURE, July 31–
Aug. 2, 2025, gain hands-on experience, connect with mentors and explore where family medicine can take you. Every great physician starts as a student who shows up.
Additional Resources
Get involved! Connect with AAFP’s growing network of students by joining an interest group and attending events to learn more about a future in family medicine.